Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tue 10 Dec
Tot Time
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Wed 11 Dec
Singin’ Stories
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us and Richmondtown Library staff for guitar songs and read-aloud stories. Get a library card and find resources on learning about Staten Island's beautiful natural places. Ages 0-5. Click here to register.
Registration: Required
Sat 14 Dec
Wreath Making
Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Make your own wreath to take home, just in time for the holidays! Bring your own base and decorations if you have any! Supplies are limited. Adult and teen program. Registration required. Click here to register - note tickets go on sale December 1st 9am.
Registration: Required
Sat 14 Dec
Wreath Making
Saturday, December 14, 2024 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Make your own wreath to take home, just in time for the holidays! Bring your own base and decorations if you have any! Supplies are limited. Adult and teen program. Registration required. Click here to register - note tickets go on sale December 1st 9am.
Registration: Required
Tue 17 Dec
Tot Time
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required